Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah by surface area, spanning nearly 150 square miles at full capacity. This shallow body of water, with an average depth of just over nine feet, is a central feature of the Utah Valley ecosystem. The lake’s fishery has been drastically altered since the arrival of European settlers. It moved from a naturally clear environment dominated by native species to a turbid system now largely populated by introduced fish. This shift has created an aquatic community that supports both intensive species recovery programs and popular sport fishing opportunities.
The Rare Native Fish
The fish community of Utah Lake was once defined by its endemic species, but today only two native fish remain. The June Sucker (Chasmistes liorus) is the most notable, as it is found nowhere else in the world except Utah Lake and its tributaries. It was federally listed as an endangered species in 1986 after its population plummeted due to habitat loss, drought, and predation by introduced fish. The multi-agency June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program (JSRIP) has worked to restore the species, leading to its reclassification from endangered to threatened status in 2021. The other surviving native is the Utah Sucker (Catostomus ardens).
June Sucker Recovery
Success in June Sucker recovery stems from efforts like the Provo River Delta Restoration Project, which creates accessible spawning and rearing habitat. Hatchery programs also rear juvenile June Suckers to a larger size before stocking. This process increases their survival rate against predators.
Widespread Non-Native Species
The ecological character of Utah Lake is now defined by non-native species, particularly the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carp were intentionally introduced in the late 1800s as a replacement food source after overfishing depleted the native stocks. This species thrived in the lake’s shallow environment, and by the early 2000s, the carp population accounted for more than 90 percent of the lake’s total fish biomass. The carp’s bottom-feeding behavior is the primary cause of the lake’s persistent turbidity and poor water quality. They root around the lake floor searching for food, which constantly stirs up the fine silt sediment.
This activity prevents sunlight from reaching the bottom and uproots submerged aquatic vegetation. The loss of vegetation removes the habitat and food sources that native fish rely on. A sustained commercial removal program was initiated in 2009 with the goal of reducing the carp biomass by 75 percent, a level scientists estimate is necessary to shift the lake toward a clearer ecological state.
Another non-native fish of concern is the Northern Pike, an aggressive predator that was illegally introduced and poses a threat to native species. Regulations require anglers to immediately kill any Northern Pike they catch.
Primary Game Fish for Anglers
Despite the ecological challenges, Utah Lake is a popular destination for anglers targeting introduced sport fish. The Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a game fish that grows quickly in the lake’s warm waters, with large females commonly reaching eight to ten pounds. Anglers often target Walleye during their spring spawning run, but the fish remain catchable throughout the summer. Walleye often feed on the lake’s abundant White Bass population.
White Bass (Morone chrysops) are frequently caught sport fish, popular for their large numbers and fighting ability. These fish congregate in the tributaries, such as the Provo River, during their spawning season, creating a highly anticipated fishing opportunity for shore anglers. White Bass serve as forage for the Walleye and are often used as cut bait to catch the Channel Catfish population.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are another major draw, offering a different type of fishing experience with fish that can exceed seven pounds. Catfish prefer the mud-bottomed areas of the lake and are often targeted near the shorelines and marinas during the warmer months. These populations are actively managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) through stocking and regulation, ensuring a consistent recreational fishery for the public.